Quick shelf adjustment mechanism for a refrigerating appliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerating appliances lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting shelves vertically within the appliance while maintaining the top surface of the shelf horizontal, which limits storage flexibility and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A shelf adjustment mechanism featuring a plurality of support surfaces coupled to a shelf bracket that can rotate between a securing and a recessed position, utilizing angled biasing surfaces to facilitate vertical movement of the shelf, allowing it to be positioned at multiple vertical levels without requiring tools or complex operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed shelf support mechanism is used, then the shelf structure is simple and stable, but the shelf cannot be adjusted vertically to provide storage flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidshelf adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf bracket is designed to rotate between a securing position (providing stable support) and a recessed position (allowing vertical movement). This dynamic positioning capability enables the shelf to be adjusted vertically while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf support system is divided into modular components: the bracket module with rotating bracket, the angled biasing surface, and the support surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling vertical adjustment without requiring a complex overall mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shelf bracket rotates to a recessed position to allow vertical movement, then storage flexibility is improved, but the mechanism requires additional components and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtool-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The angled biasing surface automatically engages with the shelf during vertical movement, causing the bracket to rotate from the securing position to the recessed position without user intervention. The mechanism uses the shelf's own weight and movement to operate itself, achieving tool-free, easy operation while maintaining vertical adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The angled biasing surface acts as an intermediary element that translates the vertical movement of the shelf into rotational movement of the bracket. This intermediary mechanism automatically coordinates the rotation and vertical movement, simplifying the operation for the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the support surfaces are oriented horizontally to provide stable support, then the shelf remains level, but vertical movement of the shelf is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal shelf stabilityVSAvoidvertical position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support surfaces are designed to change orientation dynamically: they are horizontal when the bracket is in the securing position (providing stable support), and they rotate as the bracket moves to the recessed position (enabling vertical adjustment). This dynamic orientation change resolves the contradiction between stability and adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy, tool-free vertical adjustment of shelves, providing increased storage flexibility and accessibility within the refrigerating compartment by creating clearance spaces for upward movement while maintaining the shelf's top surface horizontal.

Implementation Method 1

Engagement of the shelf with the angled biasing surface selectively operates the shelf bracket from the securing position to a recessed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10281197B2Quick shelf adjustment mechanism for a refrigerating appliance

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 WHIRLPOOL CORP

AI summary

A shelf adjustment mechanism for an appliance includes a plurality of support surfaces coupled to a shelf bracket. The shelf bracket is operable between a securing position and a recessed position. A bracket module rotationally receives the shelf bracket. The securing position of the shelf bracket is defined by a substantially horizontal orientation of the support surfaces with respect to the bracket module. An angled biasing surface is defined on the shelf bracket. The biasing surface is configured to engage a shelf as the shelf is moved vertically along the angled biasing surface. Engagement of the shelf with the angled biasing surface selectively operates the shelf bracket from the securing position to a recessed position.